Public Lands

Op-Ed: Congress Passes Public Lands Bill, Ducks Harder Questions
The Natural Resources Management Act enjoyed bipartisan support in both houses of Congress. But it left out contentious issues like wildfires, greenhouse gas emissions, and protecting wildlife corridors.

A Look Back on What Ryan Zinke Is Leaving Behind
Zinke’s tenure at the Interior Department was not lengthy, but the damage he inflicted will be long-lasting.

Opinion: Environmentalism Is Good for Business
A thriving natural environment creates opportunity for private developers and local economies, an economist argues.

Energy Issues at Stake in New Mexico Land Commission Election
Unlike energy issues that will appear in the form of ballot initiatives on Tuesday in three western states, voters in New Mexico will cast their energy vote in their choice for state land commissioner, an arcane position with considerable authority.

Utah's Campaign to Deregulate Public Lands
Newly obtained documents reveal the extent of the state's efforts to strip protections from federal lands around the United States.

Toronto Mayoral Candidate Suggests Repurposing City Golf Courses
Former chief planner Jennifer Keesmaat wants to transform three failing golf courses into free public spaces.
Monument Review: Recreation a Larger Economic Benefit Than Ranching and Timber Combined
Why is the Department of Interior considering a reduction of the size of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument?

Public Lands Score Two Political Victories in Idaho Governor's Race
It's been a tough couple of years for advocates of public lands. Could the cause of conserving and protecting public lands be gaining public support in a staunchly conservative state?

Meet the Online Platform for Selling Off Public Lands
EnergyNet auctions off oil and gas leases for state and federal lands—and business is booming under the Trump Administration.

Trump to Drastically Reduce Two National Monuments in Utah
The controversy regarding the federal protection of public lands in the American west is heading into new territory as President Trump tests the limits of presidential powers.

Previously Inaccessible Wilderness Area in New Mexico Could Finally Open to the Public
The Sabinoso Wilderness is designated public land, but it's completely surrounded by private property. That could soon change.

Interior Secretary Wants to Reduce Bears Ears National Monument
Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, in an early decision to come of a nationwide review of national monument designations, recommends that President Trump reduce the size of Bears Ears National Monument.

Antiquities Act Executive Order Calls for Review of Large Designations
The Executive Order does not roll back the Antiquities Act nor rescind any designations made by presidents Clinton, George W. Bush, or Obama, but does call for their review if over 100,000 acres. President Trump feels that the act has been misused.

Rhetoric Over Public Lands Heating Up in Washington, D.C.
As the Outdoor Industry Association gathered for its annual advocacy trip to Washington, D.C., the industry is marshaling its resources for an expected political battle with the Trump Administration.

House Republicans: No More 'Planning 2.0' for Public Lands
The congressional battle over public lands is only just beginning. The latest action: the House voted to rescind the Bureau of Land Management's recently approved "Planning 2.0" rule.

Revoking a National Monument Not Easy, Even with Republican Congress
But that's no reason not to try, figures Republican Rep. Rob Bishop of Utah, chair of the powerful House Natural Resources Committee, who has his sights on the Bears Ears National Monument, barely a month old.
Get Ready for a Wave of Federal Land Transfers in Western States
It's the antithesis of what former President Obama and his predecessors did when they gave federal lands and waters more protection. But don't blame Trump's executive actions for this one (not yet, anyway), as it's being proposed by Congress.
Stunning Acquittal of Defendants in Standoff with Feds at Oregon Wildlife Refuge
Will the acquittal of seven defendants in a U.S. district court who used force to occupy the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon last January embolden other takeovers of public lands by resentful ranchers or militia?
Google Maps Erases Publically Owned Open Spaces
Where's the green?
Wise Use Movement Galvanizes Oregon Wildlife Refuge Occupation
In an news analysis for The New York Times Sunday Review, Alan Feuer sees the occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Harney County, Oregon as another struggle between the Wise Use movement, which began is the 1980s, and the mainstream.
Pagination
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service